Pakistan Agriculture Updates

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Sesame cultivation grew by 187%​

Associated Press Of Pakistan
Jan 23, 2024

Owing to the well-coordinated efforts of federal and provincial governments, the sesame seed cultivation in the country during the current season witnessed unprecedented growth of 187 per cent as compared to the sowing of the corresponding period of the last year.

During the period under review, the sesame seeds were cultivated in over 399,493 hectares as compared to the cultivation of 139,400 hectares in the same period of last year, said a press release issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Tuesday.

The collaboration of provincial agriculture departments of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has remained instrumental in attaining higher areas under oil seed production, it added.

Sesame cultivation, once confined to limited districts across these provinces, expanded from 18,000 to 135,600 hectares between 1948 and 2019, accompanied by a production increase from 6,000 to 69,600 tons during the same period.

Notably, Punjab is the leading province, contributing 95% of sesame production, followed by Sindh 2.1% and Balochistan 2.2%, it said adding that the average yield of sesame experienced a substantial increase 69% rising from 442 to 750 kg/ha under National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP).
Starting at a modest $89.320 million in 2020, the nation’s sesame exports surged exponentially, reaching $407 million in 2023.

This unprecedented growth catapulted Pakistan to the 5th position among major sesame exporting nations, with over 80% of exports being absorbed by China.

Sesame cultivation grew by 187%

Owing to the well-coordinated efforts of federal and provincial governments, the sesame seed cultiva

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Pak-China Alliance Drives Upgrading of the Agricultural Material Industry​

By Saira Iqbal | Gwadar Pro
Jan 26, 2024

Islamabad, Jan 26, (Gwadar Pro)-In January, a Chinese delegation led by Ningbo Feidoodoo E-commerce Company, the agricultural material e-commerce platform under IBI Guolian, visited Pakistan to explore collaboration opportunities with Pakistani agricultural material companies.

The delegation held productive discussions with representatives from Auriga Group, Agrow Limited, NF Biotech and Sayban Group, etc, marking a significant milestone in China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation. During the exchanges, Tang Zhao, Cross-border E-commerce Manager at Feidoodoo Company, emphasized Feidoodoo's development strategy based on industrial e-commerce and big data. "Our company is committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the internet, IoT, big data and AI into the agricultural industry." Tang Zhao also recognized Pakistan's abundant arable land resources and the significance of agriculture as a crucial sector, envisioning promising potential for international agricultural trade in Pakistan.

Liu Bo, Director of Cross-border E-commerce Transactions at Feidoodoo Company, added, "Feidoodoo aims to establish long-term and stable partnerships with Pakistani agricultural companies. With our expertise in digital systems, such as the platform aggregation model, intelligent supply chain, and cloud factory construction, we are well-positioned to support our Pakistani partners in overcoming operational challenges and driving comprehensive industry upgrades."

Mr. Abdul Sattar, Deputy General Manager of the R&D Department at Sayban Group, expressed the company's mission to provide high-quality products to farmers, contributing to the overall advancement of national agricultural development. “We hope that through the cooperation with Feidoodoo, we can jointly promote the digital development of agriculture and contribute to the global sustainable development of agriculture with industrial internet technology.”

As a result of the Feidoodoo delegation's visit to Pakistan, they successfully established preliminary cooperation intentions with several Pakistani companies, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors in the agricultural sector.

 

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USDA trains over seventy thousand farmers, stakeholders​

Associated Press Of Pakistan
Jan 31, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) imparted skill-based trainings to over 70,170 farmers, workers and suppliers of different crops during the past seven-and-half years across the country to enhance crop output and farm income.

The skill-development trainings were imparted through the Pakistan Agricultural Development (PAD) project to farmers, workers and suppliers of red chillies, tomatoes, bananas and dates across the 12 districts of Punjab and Sindh provinces.

The project worth $20 million, spanning over 7.5 years focused on the districts of Sheikhpure, Khanaewal, Multan, Muzaffarghar, Lorhran and Bhawlapure of the Punjab Province. The project also targeted the districts Thatta, Hyderabad/Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot and Khairpure and improved the livelihood of about 1,215,038 individuals in these areas.

The project, which aimed to increase farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve the quality of the produce and expand trades also benefited about 7,100 women in the targeted districts and helped to enhance their income and empower them economically.

 

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Recognising agriculture’s potential​

Kamran H Mushtaq
February 26, 2024

It is ironic that the sector that provides livelihood to more than 40 per cent of the country’s workforce is so neglected. The contribution of agriculture is brushed aside by quoting just 22pc-23pc as its contribution to GDP.

Regardless of the debate on the authenticity of the figures, this percentage of 22pc-23pc cannot be seen in isolation as agriculture provides inputs to various other sectors like manufacturing, transport, storage, wholesale and retail trade etc.

A country’s economy is just like a book. It has to be read and analysed as a harmonised system where every sector is viewed holistically, and its linkages with the overall economy must be acknowledged.

More than 200 agricultural research institutions in the country are duly registered, ranging from agricultural universities to agricultural/livestock research institutions. However, the actual output of these institutions is minimal.

The institutes are supposed to be the avenues of knowledge creation, but name any agricultural institute in Pakistan, and its contribution to agricultural growth and sustainability is yet to be witnessed.

There is also an issue of scope limitation of these institutions because of less research-oriented funding. The agricultural institutes’ funding is restricted to salaries and pensions. Research grants are still viewed as novel ideas.

There is an immense waste of resources owing to a lack of coordination between the institutions. For example, if institute(s) in Sindh are researching on say some synthesised fertiliser, one must consider the chances that some institute(s) in Punjab are researching the same synthesised fertiliser.

Agricultural mechanisation is yet another unfulfilled dream. How can we keep capitalising on the green revolution of the 1960s, as that revolution was also a product of mechanised seeds and improved machinery?

Unfortunately, Pakistan has not yet produced a single tech-based seed variety that can transform the landscape of agricultural productivity. Pakistan still relies on imported tech-based synthetic seeds.

Agricultural financing is the key to improved productivity, provided the financing is provided to the real farmer with ease and speed. There is a myth about agricultural loans being provided by financial institutions in Pakistan. As it’s said, the devil lies in details; the agricultural loan, in general parlance and official discussions, mainly refers to the entire en-block financing by the banks.

In fact, a big chunk of that agricultural loan is passed on by the commercial banks to the provincial and federal food departments/authorities for the procurement of wheat. How can we equate the loan used by the state in purchasing wheat crops as a loan advanced to poor farmers for improving agricultural productivity?

The subsidy on fertiliser is another paradox. In Pakistan, the state grants subsidies on fertiliser to reduce the cost of agricultural production, but in effect, this subsidy is enjoyed by the corporate fertiliser manufacturing entities.

The state’s expense on fertiliser subsidy actually profits the fertiliser manufacturer at the altar of the farmer, as evidenced by the fertiliser crisis over the last couple of years.

Unfortunately, every sector under Pakistan’s regulatory regime performs at a lesser scale than private sectors. Justifications of equity and social protection aside, this is the reality. See the commodities with no regulation (like rice, maize in crops and poultry in livestock), their productivity sustainably increases every year (with few exceptions) without state intervention.

Another menace is climate change. The 2022 floods devastated the majority of crops in Sindh, Balochistan and Southern Punjab. Although the loss of staple crops like wheat and rice is for one year/maybe one crop season, but the orchards devastated by flood need years to recoup their productivity.

The date palm trees belt in Upper Sindh and South Punjab, which has historically been a source of earning foreign exchange through exports, is still recovering from the unprecedented devastation of the 2022 floods.

Unlike Pakistan, our eastern neighbour has invested heavily in agriculture. The Indian Punjab, though smaller in size, has higher agricultural productivity than Pakistan’s Punjab. Per hectare wheat yield is five tonnes in Indian Punjab against three tonnes in Pakistan’s Punjab when both regions face the same climatic conditions and historical legacy.

Moreover, agriculture everywhere in the world has linkages backward and forward, ie agriculture supports the industry (textile, sports, food, etc) as well as the service sector (transport, packaging, wholesale/retail trade of commodities).

Conversely, agriculture also gets boosted by the industrial and service sectors. For example, when industrial productivity increases, it provides employment avenues, and the family unit’s income increases, so now the family can spend more on agricultural land. In other words, the inflow of income in an agricultural family by virtue of industrial employment removes the bottlenecks/constraints of that family. They can now invest more (physically and financially) in agriculture to increase productivity.

The above situation demands thorough introspection. Until our agricultural sector (including livestock and dairy) is revamped, our economy cannot perform sustainably. Our ideology of defining agriculture as just a bread basket for the country needs to be replaced with identifying agriculture as an economic powerhouse of the country.

 

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"Last year, buyers were hustling to stock up when Pakistan was facing production issues. This year, however, Pakistan offers lower prices than India due to increased production," Vijay Setia, a leading exporter based in Haryana state of India, said.

Islamabad's total rice exports could jump to 5 million tons in 2023/24 financial year, up from the last year's 3.7 million tons, Chela Ram Kewlani, chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) said last month.

The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee has made Pakistan's exports more competitive, according to Akshay Gupta, head of bulk exports at KRBL Ltd (KRBL.NS), opens new tab.

 

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Over 8.3m cotton bales reach ginneries across Pakistan, 72pc increase recorded​

The Nation
Mar 3, 2024

Seed cotton (Phutti) equivalent to over 8.3 million or exactly 8,393,090 bales have reached ginning factories across the country till February 29, 2024, recording an increase in arrivals by 72.16 percent compared to corresponding period of the last year 2023.

According to a fortnightly report of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) released on Sunday, over 8.3 million or 8,385,752 bales have undergone the ginning process i.e. converted into bales. Cotton arrivals in Punjab were recorded at over 4.2 million or 4,278,312 bales, recording an increase in arrival by 42.79.

Sindh generated over 4.1 million or 4,114,778 bales with 118.99 percent increase recorded. Textile sector bought 7,892,085 bales while exporters purchased 292,726 bales and Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) didn’t buy during the cotton season 2023-24.

Sanghar district of Sindh topped with cotton arrival figure of 1,695,410 bales followed by Bahawalnagar district of Punjab with 1,164,491 bales. Total 56 ginning factories were operational in the country. Exactly 208,279 cotton bales unsold stock was available in ginning factories.

 

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Pakistan and Chinese Experts forge agricultural alliance​

By Staff Reporter | Gwadar Pro
Mar 8, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Mar. 7 (Gwadar Pro) - To strengthen agricultural collaboration between Pakistan and China, the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) has hosted a distinguished delegation from China, comprising top agricultural scientists and business leaders. This significant gathering aimed at fostering discussions on innovative agricultural practices, sustainable development, and the promotion of international agricultural cooperation.

Dr. Farhat Asif, Chairperson of Diplomatic Insight Group, and CEO Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor welcomed the Chinese delegation to their office. The delegation included Prof. Dr. He Cheng from China Agricultural University, Prof. Dr. Wang Jingyu from Northwest A&F University, and executives from leading companies like Tianjin Henrylead Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd, and Fujian Shengnong Biotechnology Co., Ltd, etc. T

he Diplomatic Insight Group's subsidiary, the Centre for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China Studies- Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), is already playing a crucial role in enhancing Pakistan's agriculture sector. Through organizing seminars, webinars, and conferences, and facilitating Chinese agricultural companies in Pakistan, IPDS is at the forefront of bridging the knowledge and technology gap between Pakistan and China in agriculture. The discussion was enriched as the participants discussed the future of agriculture and livestock management, including discussions on the growth of livestock, advancements in vaccinations, and the manufacturing of dairy products like cheese.

Particular emphasis was placed on the innovation in technological and scientific methods to enhance the health and productivity of cows, buffaloes, and other livestock, showcasing a shared vision for a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future. One of the most enlightening parts of the meeting was around the implementation of advanced scientific and technological strategies in livestock management.

The experts explored the development of comprehensive vaccination programs for poultry, innovative cheese manufacturing processes, and breakthroughs in improving the health of cows and buffaloes.

These discussions highlighted the potential for significant improvements in animal welfare and productivity and emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the global food supply chain. This meeting has laid the groundwork for future joint ventures, exchange programs, and research initiatives that promise to bring about transformative changes in agriculture and livestock management across the globe.

 

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Agricultural equipment under Green Pakistan Initiative reaches Pakistan​

By Fatima Javed

The first shipment of agricultural equipment under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) has reached Pakistan from China via the Khunjerab Pass, despite challenging weather conditions.

The cargo includes 20 tractors, drip irrigation systems, hose reel-based irrigation systems, satellite, and drone intelligent control platforms.

Additionally, the convoy brings smart agriculture management platforms and the Internet of Things (IoT) for agriculture.

Since its inception in July of last year, GPI has been a significant part of the government's new plan for economic recovery. With Pakistan still in the early stages of industrialization, much of its existing machinery and equipment, including power plants, is due for replacement, making this initiative especially critical for the country.

GPI focuses on a variety of aspects related to forestry, wildlife, the environment, and biodiversity. Its aim is to promote sustainable practices and enhance the well-being of people across all provinces of Pakistan.

 

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Pakistan’s Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has achieved a groundbreaking feat by developing a new wheat seed that promises to revolutionize agriculture in barren lands.

This innovative seed is expected to yield 30 times more wheat than previous varieties, potentially transforming millions of hectares of unproductive land into fertile fields.

The introduction of this seed is a step towards self-sufficiency in wheat production for Pakistan and could significantly contribute to the nation’s agricultural revolution.

 

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TDAP hosts webinar on potential of tilapia in aquaculture exports​

By Staff Reporter | The Nation
Mar 17, 2024

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hosted a webinar titled “Potential of Tilapia in Aquaculture Exports,” aiming to illuminate the strategic significance of tilapia cultivation within Pakistan’s growing aquaculture sector.

Faisal Iftikhar, a distinguished aquaculture expert and former CEO of the Fisheries Development Board, set the stage with insights into current trends and challenges within the aquaculture landscape.

He elucidated on the evolving dynamics of tilapia farming and underscored its pivotal role in Pakistan’s quest for sustainable economic growth. Speaking on emerging trends in aquaculture, he mentioned that new species like Tilapia, Pangasius and Venamei have been introduced with good farming practices.

The concept of 100% harvesting, water management, and parameters have been implemented. Furthermore dedicated feed mills for aquaculture have been developed which gave birth to the concept of giving feed to fishes.

Further enriching the discourse, Mr Prabhagar, an esteemed aquaculture specialist hailing from Singapore, provided valuable insights to advanced farming techniques and the economic intricacies of tilapia production.

The global trend for Tilapia market is expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2030 with CAGR of 3.9%. His expertise shed light on best practices for maximizing yield and optimizing resource utilization in tilapia farming operations.

The session comprised of the detailed account of feeding, water parameters, temperature and growth culture for Tilapia. He mentioned various value-added products that can be prepared from tilapia including deep skinned fillets, shallow skin fillets and whole round gutted and scaled tilapia.

The session also featured Adeel Gilani, Assistant Director at the Marine Fisheries Department in Karachi, who offered a detailed perspective on the production trends and export potential of tilapia.

He informed that there are presently 11 hatcheries of Tilapia in Pakistan with annual seed production of 30-40 million and farming area of more than 5000 acres.

Tilapia is mainly produced in Punjab and Sindh with estimated production of about 15000 tonnes. The domestic market for Tilapia is mainly in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad.

Pakistan exported around 190 tonnes of Tilapia products in 2017 with markets mainly comprising of Saudi Arab, UAE and USA. The markets can further be extended to Mexico, EU, Iran and Russian Federation.


The webinar served as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to gain actionable insights into the strategic imperatives of tilapia cultivation and its implications for Pakistan’s aquaculture exports. Through a concerted effort to harness the expertise of industry leaders, TDAP remains committed to fostering growth and innovation within the aquaculture sector, driving Pakistan towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

 

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AI for agriculture​

Sara Danial
March 18, 2024

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into agricultural practices holds immense potential to revolutionise productivity in Pakistan. By leveraging AI-powered solutions tailored to the needs of the agricultural sector, farmers can streamline operations, optimise resource usage, and make data-driven decisions.

However, it is crucial to emphasise that the success of AI integration hinges upon its alignment with the unique challenges and requirements of agriculture. When implemented thoughtfully and ethically, AI technologies can unlock unprecedented levels of productivity and sustainability in the farming sector.

In Pakistan, agriculture is pivotal for economic growth, contributing 21 per cent to the GDP and employing over 42pc of the workforce. The sector’s agro-based products also generate 80pc of the country’s total export earnings. So, it plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods of millions, hence, the integration of AI is crucial.

It facilitates the prediction of weather patterns, soil quality, groundwater levels, crop cycles, and the detection of plant diseases, all of which are vital decision-changing considerations. Monitoring crop health is enabled by soil and plant sensors, as well as multispectral imagery captured by satellites or drones.

By harnessing tech for predictive analytics and precision agriculture, farmers can enhance crop yields and optimise resource utilisation

Leveraging these insights and innovations can address longstanding challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, variability of monsoons, melting of glaciers, water scarcity, and fluctuating market conditions.

By harnessing AI for predictive analytics, crop monitoring, and precision agriculture, Pakistani farmers can enhance crop yields, optimise resource utilisation, and mitigate risks, ultimately bolstering food security and economic stability.

There exists a gap in collaboration between academia and industry, leading to a discrepancy between academic research and its practical applicability in the market. Local universities, including NED University of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Business Administration Karachi, Lahore University of Management Sciences, National University of Sciences & Technology, and FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, have initiated AI degree programmes, planned specialisations, or established centres for tool and service development.

Agricultural universities such as the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences are actively exploring AI applications for crop monitoring, disease detection, and solution optimisation. These applications must be aligned with the local scenario and practices.

Pakistan currently holds the highest proportion of young people, as 64pc of the total population of Pakistan is below the age of 30. They possess the potential to evolve into an enormous, well-trained cohort of AI professionals.

Smart farming is a pioneering urban agricultural initiative to establish a hydroponics-based test environment integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI systems. This integration ensures a controlled and self-sufficient setting for plant cultivation.

Smart farming represents the integration of Web 5.0 technologies into agriculture, exemplified by hydroponics, a soil-less plant cultivation method utilising nutrient-rich water. This endeavor aims to address agricultural challenges in Pakistan by merging physical and digital technologies for optimal sustainability and adaptability.

With a fully monitored hydroponic farming system, IoT interface is also integrated to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, humidity, and temperature. This allows for automated operations, ensuring optimal crop health.

The incorporation of AI into agricultural operations is revolutionising as technology is seamlessly integrated into various aspects of agriculture to enhance efficiency and productivity across the sector.

Specific AI technologies utilised include machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, and computer vision systems. These technologies enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimise resource utilisation, and automate repetitive tasks. For example, machine learning algorithms analyse vast amounts of agricultural data to predict crop yields, identify pest outbreaks, and optimise irrigation schedules.

Computer vision systems, on the other hand, help in crop monitoring and disease detection through image recognition.

The impact of AI-driven solutions on crop yield, resource optimisation, and sustainability practices in Pakistani agriculture is profound. AI algorithms optimise crop production by identifying the most suitable planting times, crop varieties, and fertilisation schedules, leading to increased yields.

AI-powered precision farming techniques minimise resource wastage by precisely targeting inputs such as water, fertilisers, and pesticides, all of which promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Ensuring accessibility and affordability of AI-powered agricultural solutions for small-scale farmers in Pakistan is crucial. Efforts can be made to bridge the technological literacy gap by providing user-friendly interfaces and training programs tailored to farmers’ needs.

Initiatives can be undertaken to make AI technologies financially viable for small-scale farmers through subsidies, grants, and collaborative partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

 

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Food exports grow by 54.05pc in eight months,​

By Staff Reporter | The Nation
Mar 18, 2024

Food group exports from the country during the first 08 months of the current financial year grew by 54.05 percent as compared to the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-February, 2023-24, different food commodities worth $4.969 billion were exported as compared to the exports of 3.225 billion in the same period of the previous year, according to the data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The exports of rice grew by 85.83 per cent as over 3.932 million metric tons of rice valued at $2.517 billion was exported as compared to exports of 2.546 million tons worth $1.354 billion in same period of last year, it added.

During period under review, the exports of fruits and vegetables grew by 13.89 percent and 39.27 per cent respectively as 688,950 metric tons of fruits valued at $246.463m and 724,252 metric tons of vegetables worth $277.064m were exported.

 

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Agriculture

The agriculture industry grew by 5.02pc in Q2 compared to the same period last year, owing to a strong increase in crops, particularly essential crops. Important crops grew by 8.12pc in Q2 due to considerable increases in final cotton, rice, and maize production. Wheat, which did not influence Q1, has increased in area by 6.7pc compared to last year, which is beneficial for Q2 projections.

Sugarcane has had a negative growth of 10.7pc in 2023-24, which has been offset by growth in the remaining four crops. Another essential point to note is that Q1 growth came from a very low base in Q1 2022-23, yet Q2 showed a strong increase in important crops despite a high base in Q2 2022-23.

Important crops have grown at a slightly negative rate of 0.31pc due to a decrease in green fodder output (0.72pc). Cotton ginning and miscellaneous components, which had a very high negative growth rate due to low cotton output in 2022-23, are now experiencing double-digit growth due to excellent cotton crop production in 2023-24. Livestock is stable, and forestry and fishery continue to increase at their regular rates.

 

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Chinese intercropping tech spreads to Pakistan, upgrading agricultural practices​

By Wang Xiaotong | China Economic Net
Apr 2, 2024

BAHAWALPUR – Maize-soybean intercropping, a prevalent cultivation pattern in China, has now found its way to Pakistan, altering the landscape of agricultural practices in the region.

Scientists of the National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur have just finished spring sowing. This year the intercropping demonstration fields have spread across all provinces of Pakistan.

The journey started with Pakistani scientists acquiring this cutting-edge technology from their Chinese counterparts, envisioning its potential to revolutionize agriculture in their homeland.

Experiment and demonstration trials began in 2018, spearheaded by these scientists at local farms, showcasing their acquired expertise. In 2021, under the vision of former Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Prof. Dr. Athar Mehboob, the National Research Center of Intercropping was established, comprising a team of local agronomists, breeders and soil scientists who ever studied overseas especially in China.

“This shift is primarily attributed to the pivotal role of maize and soybean as staple grains for both food and feed production, essential for sustaining economies across various nations. In light of Pakistan's agricultural needs, we want to uplift the country's agricultural sector and improve the economic well-being of farmers," said Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, NRCI Director & International Researcher at Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Presently, NRCI is demonstrating three major intercropping systems i.e. maize-soybean, sugarcane-soybean, and cotton-soybean at farmer's fields in every province of Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza and Dr. Sajad Hussain are leading the intercropping demonstrations in about 11 districts of Punjab (Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Layyah, Vehari, Lodhran, Multan, Pakpattan, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chiniot & Faisalabad), 5 districts in Sindh (Hyderabad, Larkana, Khairpur Mirs, Thatha & Badin), 2 districts in KPK (DIK & Charsada), and 2 districts in Azad Jamu and Kashmir (Muzafarabad & Bhimber), and these initiatives are also making inroads in Balochistan, furthering the adoption of intercropping practices in the region.

Maize-soybean intercropping demonstration in Pakistan. [Photo/Sajad Hussain]

Cotton-soybean intercropping demonstration in Pakistan. [Photo/Sajad Hussain]

Sugarcane-soybean intercropping demonstration in Pakistan. [Photo/Sajad Hussain]

NRCI is engaging in collaborations with multiple national and international universities and research institutes. University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Sugar mill Industry and Chamber of Food and Agriculture are their local collaborators.

Internationally, NRCI is cooperating with Sichuan Agricultural University, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University and Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University to leverage global expertise for local advancement. It's learned that Prof. Xing Wang Deng and Dr. Feng Ling Yang form PKU are working closely with scientists and providing assistance in the form of germplasm of maize and soybean to enrich existing germplasm resources.

 

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Agricultural experts and locals alike are applauding the collaborative efforts of the government and army in spearheading an agricultural revolution in the Cholistan belt. From enhancing irrigation infrastructure to introducing modern farming techniques, the initiatives undertaken are reshaping the landscape of agriculture in the region.

According to agricultural experts, the intervention of the government and army has brought about a significant improvement in agricultural productivity and sustainability in Cholistan. By providing access to resources and expertise, they have empowered local farmers to maximize their yields and contribute to the region's economic development.Moreover, the local people's perspective on the government and army's role in the agriculture sector is overwhelmingly positive.

Many residents of Cholistan acknowledge the efforts made by authorities to address longstanding challenges and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.

In essence, the government and army's plan for an agricultural revolution in Cholistan is not only reshaping the agricultural landscape but also winning hearts and minds within the local community.